Page 120 of Milo

"All I know is that they killed Sergio and Vittoria," she swallows. "I don't know anything after that." She doesn't know about the guns? Really? She sidles closer to me, her eyes flickering around my face. "You must understand Kiara, everything Milo and my father do is to make sure our family doesn't perish, that we remain strong. After Sergio's death, we became vulnerable, targets for the other clans. As much as I want to be involved, I understand the need for secrecy, for discretion. When he died, we became weak." She sucks in a small breath. "My father told me that weakness breeds disloyalty and distrust. I love my family, Kiara, more than I love my pride. I do not wish to see us fall."

A pang of guilt snatches my stomach. She is more in the dark than I am. Milo's told me snippets. He's told me secrets. He let me in. He trusted me more than Marchello trusted his own child.

He just didn't trust me enough.

"What's your point? Why are you telling me all of this?"

"Because," she says, running her fingers along my bedsheets. "It is something you need to bear in mind if you're going to become a part of the family. If you marry into Santi Oscuri, this is what you should expect."

I blink. "Marry? He told you?"

"Everyone knows that he asked for your hand.” A sheepish smile spreads on her face. "You were very loud last night. Sound travels."

"Lovely. That's just great."

"Kiara—" She puts her hand on my knee. “It is important for you to understand the gravity of his proposal. If you say yes, your life will change, the way people treat you will change. The way my father spoke to you last night, that would never happen again if you became Milo's wife. If he ever showed you disrespect, he would die."

I purse my lips. Is that why he asked me? So that the men in this house would respect me?

"So, the only way I can earn respect is by marrying the boss? Really? That's so backwards."

"I am not saying it is right, but it is something you should consider if you see a future with Milo. Without a ring, Kiara, in their eyes, you are meaningless."

A future.

Do I see a future? Do I see us growing old? Exploring the world? Going on adventures? Making love on every continent? Living life, together, as husband and wife?

I throw my head back, slapping my hand over my forehead, an ache pulsing in my temples. "What do you think I should do?" I can't believe I'm asking Luisa for advice. I barely even know her. Maybe I am losing my mind. "Should I say yes?"

"It is not my place to say, Kiara. But I've known Milo my whole life, he is like a brother to me. I can see how happy you make him, and happiness is so difficult to find in this life. So, if you love him, then you should say yes."

"He lied to me.” I close my eyes, a storm of uncertainty whirling around my mind. "How can I marry someone who lied to me?"

"It might not be easy, but you can try to forgive him.” The mattress bounces as she stands up. "If you wish to be with Milo, that is the only thing you can do."

"If I said yes to him, you'd be okay with that?" I tilt my head as I sit up. "Your father said I was a nobody. That doesn't bother you?"

"I know we have not been the best of friends, but I like you. I think you and I are very similar. And I believe our family would benefit from having a woman like you at the head of the table."

"A woman like me? What do you mean?"

"Kiara—" She cocks her head to the side, a small grin on her face. "You called Milo a piece of shit and a fucking asshole in front of ten armed men. Do I need to say more?"

I snort, stifling a laugh. "I was really mad."

"More women need to get mad. That is how change happens."

"You think Milo can change?"

"He already has." Luisa checks her watch. "Shit, I must go and prepare Antonia's room. She arrives in a couple of days. The woman is very particular about her thread count."

"Milo's mom is coming?" I ask, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. "Why?"

"She always comes back for Christmas. It is tradition."

"Oh…” I tap my fingers against the duvet before standing up. "Do you know where Milo is right now? Is he in his office?"

"I think he is training in the gym." A beat. "Are you ready to talk to him?" she asks in a hopeful tone. "Are you going to say yes?"

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